E. Coli Infections

Also called: Escherichia coli

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on E. Coli Infections is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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Summary

E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, some types can make you sick and cause diarrhea. One type causes travelers' diarrhea. The worst type of E. coli causes bloody diarrhea, and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. These problems are most likely to occur in children and in adults with weak immune systems.

You can get E. coli infections by eating foods containing the bacteria. Symptoms of infection include

Nausea or vomiting
Severe abdominal cramps
Watery or very bloody diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever

To help avoid food poisoning and prevent infection, handle food safely. Cook meat well, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, and avoid unpasteurized milk and juices. You can also get the infection by swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste.

Most cases of E. coli infection get better without treatment in 5 to 10 days.

Start Here

E. Coli (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
E. Coli (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
E. Coli Infection (American Academy of Family Physicians)Also in Spanish

Prevention and Risk Factors

E. coli (Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, White House)

Related Issues

Farm Animals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Ground Beef and Food Safety (Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service)Also in Spanish
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (American Academy of Family Physicians)Also in Spanish